A weaving friendship with Ukraine

Who are our weavers and what is their challenge?

Vandra Weaving Atelier, founded in Kakhovka, Ukraine, works to empower women through sustainable weaving and textile craftsmanship. After the war the business was forced to relocate, the atelier established itself in Kosiv. Today 53 women work there with 17 looms in use for production. Four of the weavers wish to further develop their skills and techniques through an exchange and advanced training with our association.

Vandra currently works primarily with four-shaft weaving but has recently gained access to an eight-shaft loom and wishes to deepen its understanding of the possibilities offered by multi-shaft weaving. As part of this development, they have initiated a collaboration with the International Weaving Center Association in Rydal, which possesses extensive expertise in the field. During their stay in Rydal, the participants will engage in hands-on work at the Weavingcenter studio alongside experienced instructors, undertake study visits to companies, educational institutions and organisations specialising in weaving and design. They are also planing an inspirational trip to Stockholm. 

The exchange is based on mutual learning; the Vandra weavers will gain in-depth knowledge of advanced weaving techniques and Scandinavian design traditions, while simultaneously sharing their own extensive craftsmanship skills in weaving and textile arts.

The instructors are Karin Hedberg—based at Ateljé Westragothia and a specialist in handwoven ecclesiastical textiles—and Peter Otell, who possesses extensive experience in both hand and machine weaving with an industrial background at Kasthall. Their expertise in technique, materials and pedagogy skills forms a solid foundation for a high-quality exchange of knowledge and learning.

The project aligns well with the association’s ambition to strengthen international collaborations and build long-term relationships, while offering an opportunity to engage with Ukrainian craft traditions and broaden both perspectives and networks.

The exchange coincides with the exhibition "Lys på nordiske Tæpper" (Shining a Light on Nordic Rugs) at Rydal Museum, which focuses on contemporary Nordic rug design. The exhibition is a collaboration between the International Weaving Center, Rydal Museum, and Vävarnas hus in Denmark, creating further opportunities for cooperation and future connections among the participating parties.

The project is grounded in a shared vision that will bring tradition and innovation together, to use craftsmanship as a bridge between people, their experiences and cultures.

Participating weavers: 

Vitaliia Kashynska 

Oksana Ahatieva 

Maryna Voronovych 

Tetiana Kocherhan 

Larissa Boden